Which to pickup Cobra Or Mach?

1st_Time_Stanger · July 11th, 2011, 05:51 PM

I've been looking into getting either a New Edge Cobra or Mach1, 01-04 Cobra or the 03/04 Mach. Besides the obvious advantages of an 03/04 Cobra with the S/c and their disadvantage of a 20K+ price tag, what are the pros and Cons between the two. Engines potential, rear ends, person opinions. Id really like an 04 Cobra but the reason I'm trading is to "Try" to avoid the 20k monthly payments. Any help would be much appreciated!!!!

DickH · July 11th, 2011, 06:22 PM

if the 03/04 cobra cant be had within a comfortable monthly payment id say go for the mach.

ReverendDexter · July 11th, 2011, 06:39 PM

Depends on your goal for the car.

In general, if you're more into straight-line racing, you'll be happier with the Mach 1 than a '99/01 Cobra.

If you prefer automatics, you can find that in a Mach 1s; all Cobras are manual tranny only. The con to that though is that automatic-equipped Mach 1s didn't get the forged crank that manual tranny cars did.

If you're into cruising and/or corner-carving, you'll be happier with the Cobra, and I'd dare say happier with an N/A Cobra over the Termie (due to being about 200 lbs lighter and better balanced).

1st_Time_Stanger · July 11th, 2011, 06:50 PM

Originally Posted by ReverendDexter

Depends on your goal for the car.

In general, if you're more into straight-line racing, you'll be happier with the Mach 1 than a '99/01 Cobra.

If you prefer automatics, you can find that in a Mach 1s; all Cobras are manual tranny only. The con to that though is that automatic-equipped Mach 1s didn't get the forged crank that manual tranny cars did.

If you're into cruising and/or corner-carving, you'll be happier with the Cobra, and I'd dare say happier with an N/A Cobra over the Termie (due to being about 200 lbs lighter and better balanced).

Auto is NOT an option. Def want something that will be a bit versitile for staights and corners. This wont be a track car. Will be a DD along with my bike. Want something a bit cheaper with a good bit more potential than my 11 V6. Eventually wanna look toward 400rwhp/tq.

AzSonicSnake · July 11th, 2011, 06:54 PM

400rwhp is a pulley away on a 03/04 cobra. otherwise, i think the rev has it all nailed. my call would be to find a terminator with a solid axle, or to find one and add it in. then its the best of both worlds imo.

ReverendDexter · July 11th, 2011, 07:01 PM

Terminator motors have a lot of potential, but stock they're already at the power level you're looking for. N/A 4vs can be built, but it's not cheap (cam sets are ~$1k) and there's really not that much in the way of aftermarket for them (for instance, there are no aftermarket 4v heads, and the only aftermarket intakes are sheet metal).

Curious why you wouldn't use the '11 as the DD. It's gonna be a better handler, more comfy, and get better mileage than a 4v ever thought of.

1st_Time_Stanger · July 11th, 2011, 07:52 PM

Originally Posted by ReverendDexter

Terminator motors have a lot of potential, but stock they're already at the power level you're looking for. N/A 4vs can be built, but it's not cheap (cam sets are ~$1k) and there's really not that much in the way of aftermarket for them (for instance, there are no aftermarket 4v heads, and the only aftermarket intakes are sheet metal).

Curious why you wouldn't use the '11 as the DD. It's gonna be a better handler, more comfy, and get better mileage than a 4v ever thought of.

TBH, I had an 06 F150 that was getting 14 mpg, so i traded that for the MPGs out of the 11 v6. Now that I have a Bike, MPGs arent that much of a concern to me. Bike was out of the question before b/c of the amount of tickets i had lol. Now a $450 car payment isnt very appealing to me and would love to catch a Mach or Cobra around 15-18k. Also, after dropping 2k in mods in this and the power increase was minimal, I just realy wanna get back into a V8. Always loved the Termis, but they again are in that 20k+ price range. Do the Machs come with Forged internals? And what amount of mileage would i want to stay away from?

B's04gt · July 11th, 2011, 08:01 PM

If you can afford it termi. If not mach1 cause they are sexy as hell!

DickH · July 11th, 2011, 09:31 PM

if you are only looking for 400hp go for the mach and run a little bit of boost. If you wanted 600+ it would be better to start with the 03/04 cobra but at 400hp you are still ok with the stock bottom end of the mach. The 99-01 cobras are nice, but the mach is nicer.

Mach Boy · July 11th, 2011, 09:41 PM

Get a GT and throw a supercharger on it. You'll have 400hp and it would be about the cost of a Mach or even a little cheaper.

bigz5000 · July 11th, 2011, 11:15 PM

im not going to insert my opinion, cause i haven't driven either and think both have advantages....Here is a 03 cobra in OKC for 18k, could possible be had for cheaper.

2003 Mustang cobra for sale or trade

stal94gt · July 11th, 2011, 11:17 PM

stock is always better than modified. if your looking to have 400 hp then get the 03-04 cobra. it is built all the way around to handle the power. mach 1's are nice but the 3650 trans sucks compaired to the t56. even though the t56 comes stock with a 10 spline input shaft it can be upgraded easily to 26 spline for a fraction of the cost to have a 3650 built to handle hard driving of 400 tq and up. cobra's have a much better fuel system that can support about 500 hp with out any changes, and with a bap installed it can support 600 rwhp. not to mention the tank is baffled. as for the motor. a modified mach 1 or 99-04 cobra with 450 rwhp may hold up or it may not, its a crap shot. a 03-04 cobra motor will stand a better chance of being mantanance free at those power levels. is the extra 4k worth all the upgrades for a 03-04 cobra, its up to the owner but in the long run it will cost more to upgrade the mach.

va boy · July 11th, 2011, 11:35 PM

^ Good info there. Also, if you don't mind a higher mileage 03/04 Cobra, one can be found for your 18k price limit. Just be patient and search. You will never be satisfied if you settle. Good luck, the hunt is half the fun anyway!

sikedsyko · July 11th, 2011, 11:36 PM

I feel like if I switched from the 2011 chassis to a sn-95 chassis, as a DD, I would be thoroughly disappointed with the ride and comfort. If you really wanna get into a V8, why not grab a 05-09 GT? They wouldn't be much of a downgrade as far as interior build quality, but they're nearly as powerful as a Mach 1 or an 01 Cobra. Sure 4v's take mods better, but mods are more expensive. And our trannies SUCK.

Sinister · July 12th, 2011, 12:01 AM

I got my 03 Cobra for 15k. It was stock, low miles(44k) and was clean with nothing wrong with it. The guy just had to get rid of it. So I say keep looking for a 03-04 Cobra. There are great deals out there. Plus the Terminator is BEAST!!!

04Machsy · July 12th, 2011, 12:36 AM

If you really want a Terminator then go for it. I bet you could find one with a bit of searching. As for miles don't let them scare ya. I know several Machs that are boosted or sprayin over 100k

1st_Time_Stanger · July 12th, 2011, 11:26 AM

All really good info!! Thanks Guys!!! I will prob hold off for the next few weeks/months. WIll def check out that Cobra in OKC. Cobra is prob gonna be the way I go for sure. Def would hate to settle.

1st_Time_Stanger · July 12th, 2011, 12:36 PM

Is this the deal you guys were talking about waiting for?

2003 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra, $15,900 - Cars.com

Oh and btw its on 2033 miles from me.... :facepalm

AzSonicSnake · July 12th, 2011, 12:42 PM

oh my. that body kit is something else.... i think i'd keep on looking.... personally.

1st_Time_Stanger · July 12th, 2011, 12:56 PM

Originally Posted by AzSonicSnake

oh my. that body kit is something else.... i think i'd keep on looking.... personally.

yea and the local def sets this one off the possibility list.... I mean you could always sell me yours!! Pretty Please

July 11th, 2011, 05:51 PM	#1
1st_Time_Stanger Premium Member 2011 Mustang V6 Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Pensacola, Fl Posts: 853 iTrader: 0 reviews	Which to pickup Cobra Or Mach? I've been looking into getting either a New Edge Cobra or Mach1, 01-04 Cobra or the 03/04 Mach. Besides the obvious advantages of an 03/04 Cobra with the S/c and their disadvantage of a 20K+ price tag, what are the pros and Cons between the two. Engines potential, rear ends, person opinions. Id really like an 04 Cobra but the reason I'm trading is to "Try" to avoid the 20k monthly payments. Any help would be much appreciated!!!! __________________ MODS: BBK Chrome Long Tube Headers and X pipe\| Pypes M80 Mid Mounted Muffs(Dumped)\| JLT Carbon Fiber CAI\| SCT Tuner 93S/P/R --> 290RWHP/270RWTQ(DYNOJET) Wheels 18x9 Black Saleens 255/45/18 Sumitomos(Fr) 18x10 Black Saleens 275/40/18 Sumitomos(Bk)

July 11th, 2011, 06:22 PM	#2
DickH MM Fanatic 2003 gt 5.4 32v on the way Join Date: May 2007 Location: Omaha Posts: 4,188 iTrader: 2 reviews	if the 03/04 cobra cant be had within a comfortable monthly payment id say go for the mach. __________________ 2003 Mustang gt - usual mods - slowly working on 5.4 swap 2004 srt4 - Stock DD/winter beater Click here for your tuning needs Before asking a gearing related question click THIS link and enjoy all your saved time.

July 11th, 2011, 06:39 PM	#3
ReverendDexter Priest of the Car Gods Clapped-out '90 GT 'vert ~5.5 seconds off TTOD :( Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Rohnert Park, CA Posts: 13,808 iTrader: 0 reviews	Depends on your goal for the car. In general, if you're more into straight-line racing, you'll be happier with the Mach 1 than a '99/01 Cobra. If you prefer automatics, you can find that in a Mach 1s; all Cobras are manual tranny only. The con to that though is that automatic-equipped Mach 1s didn't get the forged crank that manual tranny cars did. If you're into cruising and/or corner-carving, you'll be happier with the Cobra, and I'd dare say happier with an N/A Cobra over the Termie (due to being about 200 lbs lighter and better balanced). __________________ O o /¯/______________________ \|BLAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARGH!!! \_\

July 11th, 2011, 06:54 PM	#5
AzSonicSnake 2009 ROTY 2003 SVT Cobra 11.07@127 Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: North Phoenix,AZ Posts: 5,640 iTrader: 1 reviews	400rwhp is a pulley away on a 03/04 cobra. otherwise, i think the rev has it all nailed. my call would be to find a terminator with a solid axle, or to find one and add it in. then its the best of both worlds imo. __________________ MM Cobra Club #25 My Autolog Profile

July 11th, 2011, 07:01 PM	#6
ReverendDexter Priest of the Car Gods Clapped-out '90 GT 'vert ~5.5 seconds off TTOD :( Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Rohnert Park, CA Posts: 13,808 iTrader: 0 reviews	Terminator motors have a lot of potential, but stock they're already at the power level you're looking for. N/A 4vs can be built, but it's not cheap (cam sets are ~$1k) and there's really not that much in the way of aftermarket for them (for instance, there are no aftermarket 4v heads, and the only aftermarket intakes are sheet metal). Curious why you wouldn't use the '11 as the DD. It's gonna be a better handler, more comfy, and get better mileage than a 4v ever thought of. __________________ O o /¯/______________________ \|BLAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARGH!!! \_\

July 11th, 2011, 09:31 PM	#9
DickH MM Fanatic 2003 gt 5.4 32v on the way Join Date: May 2007 Location: Omaha Posts: 4,188 iTrader: 2 reviews	if you are only looking for 400hp go for the mach and run a little bit of boost. If you wanted 600+ it would be better to start with the 03/04 cobra but at 400hp you are still ok with the stock bottom end of the mach. The 99-01 cobras are nice, but the mach is nicer. __________________ 2003 Mustang gt - usual mods - slowly working on 5.4 swap 2004 srt4 - Stock DD/winter beater Click here for your tuning needs Before asking a gearing related question click THIS link and enjoy all your saved time.

July 11th, 2011, 09:41 PM	#10
Mach Boy MM's Orangest 2004 Mach 1 Mustang Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Indy Posts: 2,846 Blog Entries: 1 iTrader: 1 reviews	Get a GT and throw a supercharger on it. You'll have 400hp and it would be about the cost of a Mach or even a little cheaper. __________________ Looking for 03/04 4V ABS Wiring Harness Connector/Incomplete Wiring Harness (with ABS connector)

July 11th, 2011, 11:15 PM	#11
bigz5000 Regular 1998 Mustang Cobra Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Kansas Posts: 111 iTrader: 0 reviews	im not going to insert my opinion, cause i haven't driven either and think both have advantages....Here is a 03 cobra in OKC for 18k, could possible be had for cheaper. 2003 Mustang cobra for sale or trade __________________ MMR Built Short Block, Vortech V1 Supercharger, AIS Methanol Injection, BBK LT's, X Pipe, Flowmasters, Steeda Springs, Tokico Shocks, Spec 2+ Clutch, Tri Ax shifter, 4:10's, SCT Tuner

July 11th, 2011, 11:17 PM	#12
stal94gt I Post Entirely Way Too Much 2003 mustang v6 ;) slow Join Date: May 2010 Location: eglin afb florida Posts: 10,197 iTrader: 2 reviews	stock is always better than modified. if your looking to have 400 hp then get the 03-04 cobra. it is built all the way around to handle the power. mach 1's are nice but the 3650 trans sucks compaired to the t56. even though the t56 comes stock with a 10 spline input shaft it can be upgraded easily to 26 spline for a fraction of the cost to have a 3650 built to handle hard driving of 400 tq and up. cobra's have a much better fuel system that can support about 500 hp with out any changes, and with a bap installed it can support 600 rwhp. not to mention the tank is baffled. as for the motor. a modified mach 1 or 99-04 cobra with 450 rwhp may hold up or it may not, its a crap shot. a 03-04 cobra motor will stand a better chance of being mantanance free at those power levels. is the extra 4k worth all the upgrades for a 03-04 cobra, its up to the owner but in the long run it will cost more to upgrade the mach. __________________ bone stock from the factory!

July 11th, 2011, 11:35 PM	#13
va boy Regular 2003 Cobra Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: VA Posts: 320 iTrader: 0 reviews	^ Good info there. Also, if you don't mind a higher mileage 03/04 Cobra, one can be found for your 18k price limit. Just be patient and search. You will never be satisfied if you settle. Good luck, the hunt is half the fun anyway! __________________ Whippled 03 Sonic Blue Terminator

July 11th, 2011, 11:36 PM	#14
sikedsyko \/ Hidden Bewbs \/ 01 Cobra Vert Join Date: May 2007 Location: Houston Posts: 5,724 iTrader: 0 reviews	I feel like if I switched from the 2011 chassis to a sn-95 chassis, as a DD, I would be thoroughly disappointed with the ride and comfort. If you really wanna get into a V8, why not grab a 05-09 GT? They wouldn't be much of a downgrade as far as interior build quality, but they're nearly as powerful as a Mach 1 or an 01 Cobra. Sure 4v's take mods better, but mods are more expensive. And our trannies SUCK. __________________ MM Cobra Club #66

July 12th, 2011, 12:01 AM	#15
Sinister Newbie 2003 Cobra Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Faribault, MN Posts: 13 iTrader: 0 reviews	I got my 03 Cobra for 15k. It was stock, low miles(44k) and was clean with nothing wrong with it. The guy just had to get rid of it. So I say keep looking for a 03-04 Cobra. There are great deals out there. Plus the Terminator is BEAST!!!

July 12th, 2011, 12:36 AM	#16
04Machsy Hardcore Enthusiast 2004 Mustang Mach1 Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Greeley, CO Posts: 2,569 iTrader: 0 reviews	If you really want a Terminator then go for it. I bet you could find one with a bit of searching. As for miles don't let them scare ya. I know several Machs that are boosted or sprayin over 100k __________________

July 12th, 2011, 11:26 AM	#17
1st_Time_Stanger Premium Member 2011 Mustang V6 Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Pensacola, Fl Posts: 853 iTrader: 0 reviews	All really good info!! Thanks Guys!!! I will prob hold off for the next few weeks/months. WIll def check out that Cobra in OKC. Cobra is prob gonna be the way I go for sure. Def would hate to settle. __________________ MODS: BBK Chrome Long Tube Headers and X pipe\| Pypes M80 Mid Mounted Muffs(Dumped)\| JLT Carbon Fiber CAI\| SCT Tuner 93S/P/R --> 290RWHP/270RWTQ(DYNOJET) Wheels 18x9 Black Saleens 255/45/18 Sumitomos(Fr) 18x10 Black Saleens 275/40/18 Sumitomos(Bk)

July 12th, 2011, 12:36 PM	#18
1st_Time_Stanger Premium Member 2011 Mustang V6 Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Pensacola, Fl Posts: 853 iTrader: 0 reviews	Is this the deal you guys were talking about waiting for? 2003 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra, $15,900 - Cars.com Oh and btw its on 2033 miles from me.... :facepalm __________________ MODS: BBK Chrome Long Tube Headers and X pipe\| Pypes M80 Mid Mounted Muffs(Dumped)\| JLT Carbon Fiber CAI\| SCT Tuner 93S/P/R --> 290RWHP/270RWTQ(DYNOJET) Wheels 18x9 Black Saleens 255/45/18 Sumitomos(Fr) 18x10 Black Saleens 275/40/18 Sumitomos(Bk)

Remove Advertisements Sponsored Links
Ford Mustang Forum Advertisement

July 12th, 2011, 12:42 PM	#19
AzSonicSnake 2009 ROTY 2003 SVT Cobra 11.07@127 Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: North Phoenix,AZ Posts: 5,640 iTrader: 1 reviews	oh my. that body kit is something else.... i think i'd keep on looking.... personally. __________________ MM Cobra Club #25 My Autolog Profile

Threads Similar to: Which to pickup Cobra Or Mach?
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Will a 5.4 4v pan and oil pickup tube fit on my 4.6 4v?	Fraley225	4V / SVT	4	April 22nd, 2011 11:45 PM
Pickup Lines	r890	The Clubhouse	48	April 25th, 2010 12:57 PM
Oil Pickup tube	BDaily	99-04	4	March 19th, 2010 07:11 PM
Vortech Mounts Different for 99 Cobra, 01 Cobra and 03 Mach 1…?	Owenslee	4V / SVT	1	December 30th, 2009 11:49 AM

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 04:14 PM.
Contact Us - Modded Mustangs : Ford Mustang Forums - Privacy Statement - Top
Modded Mustangs is ©2005-2008, All Rights Reserved, And is Not Affiliated with Ford Motor Company. Forum is powered by vBulletin ©2000 - 2012, Jelsoft Ent. Ltd. & SEO by vBSEO 3.3.2 ©2009, Crawlability, Inc.